The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-02-07
HISTORICAL SOCIETY AND STATE LIBRARY.

HISTORICAL SOCIETY AND STATE LIBRARY.
Among the bills Of greater less impor-
lance brought before the Legislature are
two deserving of favorable consideration.
One Of these is in behalf Of the State
Historical Association, and asks, first, that
a room in the State-house be set apart
for the use of the society and further, that
an appropriation of 81, 900 be made to defrav
ords which now exist only in manuscript and
documentary shape. These records contain
an account Of the official proceedings of the
territorial governors, and are important as
forming part of the history of the organic de-
velopment of the Territory. 1t is certainly
desirable that this matter should be put in such
shape as to place it within the reach of stu
dents and Others who, without time or oppor-
tunity for laborious research, wish informa-
| ton concerning the eventful period referred
| to. The association has, by its voluntary Ia
| bors, done much in the way of collecting ar
ranging and preserving valuable papers, relics
| and historical data that would otherwise have
been lost, or at least left unavailable. That
they should be given the small appropriation
| asked for, as slight acknowledgement of
| their services and as encouragement for future
| effort, is no more than right.
| The other bill asks for an appropriation for
the State library, and has the special approval
Of the Historical Society the members of
which are thoroughly acquainted with the
needs of the institution. The amount called
for by the proposed measure is S., 900 for the
first year, with an allowance Of So 900 for
each succeeding year. The Journal has here
tofore clearly demonstrated the necessity for
an ample appropriation for the purpose named,
aud no further argument in that direction
should be required. Without question, if the
| library is to be maintained in condition that
is not, as now, a reproach to the State there
must be liberal outlay for reminding, cata-
loguing, ETC., and the sum mentioned is none
| too large. The work of restoration and reno
walton accomplished an annual expenditure Of
So, 900 may suffice, under iudicious manage
ment, to place and keep it on an equality with
similar institutions in other States, and to
make it library which will meet all reauixe-
ments. The feature of the bill which seems
to deserve special commentator is that relat-
ing to the formation Of library board
This it is recommended should consist of the
Governor Of the State member to be chosen
by the Supreme Court one to be selected by
the Historical Society, the Superintendent of
Public instruction and the librarian. That
an advisory committee is essential where the
purchased of a large number of books
is involved, will not be disputed.
The responsibility for the outlay of the
fund and the selection of the books should
not rest upon the librarian alone. The State
library differs in character from other colec-
tons of books, and peculiar discretion must
be used in filing its shelves, lest the purpose
for which it was established be lost sight Of
The composition of the proposed board pro-
ests of the public in the library. Primarily
it is intended for the use Of the General AS.
sembly, and the placing on the board of the
Governor and a member to be chosen by the
Supreme Court is reasonable guaranty thai
the department Of literature relating to The
government and legislation will be looked
after; the school interests are represented by
i the Superintendent of Public Instruction. ana
the historical department by the membe,
chosen by that association. There is mani
J fest superiority in this bill aud the make-u
of this committee over another measure which
urges the trlasfer Of the library from the con